Charlie Parker and Thematic Improvisation

by Henry Martin

Overview

Now in paperback! This volume sums up features of Parker's style and discusses his contribution in the context of Western music history. Paperback edition available 2001.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810841550
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/01/1996
Series:	Studies in Jazz
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	170
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Henry Martin is a faculty member of the Jazz and Contemporary Music Program at the New School for Social Research.

Table of Contents

	Editor's Foreword	ix
	Foreword	xi
	Acknowledgments	xiii
Chapter 1	Introduction	1
	Formula and Thematic Improvisation	1
	Transcriptions	5
Chapter 2	Improvisation and Linear Theory	9
	Strophic Form and Harmonic Prolongation	9
	Voice-leading Models	13
	Larger-scale Structure and Thematic Patterns	20
	Types of Thematic Patterns	32
	Thematic Pattern, Motive and Formula in Improvisation	34
Chapter 3	Rhythm Changes	41
	Rhythm Changes as a Formal Model	41
	Red Cross	42
	Red Cross--Original Melody	42
	Red Cross--Take 1	44
	Red Cross--Take 2	47
	Shaw 'Nuff	48
	Shaw 'Nuff--Original Melody	48
	Shaw 'Nuff--Improvisation	51
	Shaw 'Nuff--Other Improvisational Features	54
	Thriving on a Riff	57
	Thriving on a Riff--Original Melody	58
	Thriving on a Riff--Take 1	59
	Thriving on a Riff--Take 3	61
	Crazeology	64
	Wee	66
	Lester Leaps In	68
Chapter 4	Popular Song	71
	Embraceable You	71
	Embraceable You--Original Melody	71
	Embraceable You--Take 1	72
	Embraceable You--Take 2	78
	Just Friends	82
	Just Friends--Original Melody	83
	Just Friends--Studio Improvisation	84
	Just Friends--Cafe Society ("Pop")	89
	Cherokee and Koko	93
	Star Eyes	95
Chapter 5	The Blues	99
	Cool Blues	100
	Perhaps	102
	Au Privave	105
	Blues for Alice	105
	Bongo Bop	106
	Now's the Time	107
	Cheryl	107
	Parker's Mood	107
Chapter 6	Master Soloist	111
	General Style Considerations	111
	Quotation	114
	Other Issues in Thematic Reference	114
	Formula and Its Ramifications	115
	Thematic Reference	115
	Parallels in Oral-Epic Poetry	121
	Literacy and its Role in the Jazz Tradition	122
	Large-Scale Impact on Contemporary Music	125
	Parker's Balance of Formula and Traditional Western Values	128
	Works Cited	131
	Bibliography	131
	Discography	133
	Notes	135
	Index	151
	About the Author	155

Editorial Reviews

...in-depth and closely analytical...an essential addition to the collection of anyone interested in creative improvised music from a musicological point of view.

Cadence Magazine

This is the latest in a magnificent body of jazz literature, and, so far as depth is concerned, surely Rutgers' finest achievement...this volume is simply brilliant...such depth and omniscience in the purely musical sense. Exceptional.

Crescendo & Jazz Music

...in-depth and closely analytical...an essential addition to the collection of anyone interested in creative improvised music from a musicological point of view.--Cadence Magazine

This is the latest in a magnificent body of jazz literature, and, so far as depth is concerned, surely Rutgers' finest achievement...this volume is simply brilliant...such depth and omniscience in the purely musical sense. Exceptional.--Crescendo & Jazz Music

From the Publisher

...in-depth and closely analytical...an essential addition to the collection of anyone interested in creative improvised music from a musicological point of view..

Cadence

This is the latest in a magnificent body of jazz literature, and, so far as depth is concerned, surely Rutgers' finest achievement...this volume is simply brillant...such depth and omniscience in the purely musical sense. Exceptional..

Crescendo And Jazz Music

Martin (music theory and composition, The New School for Social Research) analyzes the structural motivic organization of Charlie Parker's jazz solos. He aims to discover why Parker's music is so compelling, despite his reliance on musical formulas. Contrary to established opinion that Parker's solos were organized without reference to the theme of the piece being performed, Martin contends that they are connected to the source material through middleground voice leading. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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